Racing Victoria chief executive Andrew Jones in sudden departure

Andrew Jones’ time in charge of Racing Victoria has lasted less than two years, with the announcement he has left the chief executive role with immediate effect.

Aaron Morrison, who has been chief operations officer under Jones, will assume the role of interim chief executive while a search for a replacement is found.

A statement from Racing Victoria confirmed Jones’ departure was timed to give a new board, led by a new chairman, widely expected to be former AFL chief executive McLachlan, a chance to choose a new executive team.

“Having served under two chairmen, my resignation makes way for the new chair and board to select a new CEO to take Racing Victoria forward into the future,” Jones said.

“I came to the role with a clear view on the challenges facing the industry, and I leave knowing I left nothing on the table.”

Jones’ time in charge of Racing Victoria has been turbulent, as he led a reform agenda on a number of issues which brought him into conflict with a host of stakeholders, notably Thoroughbred Racehorse Owners Association (TROA) chairman Jonathan Munz.

Munz had called on Jones to be sacked in December and led an unsuccessful board challenge in February.

However, the board has experienced substantial turnover with two current vacancies left by the departure of chairman Brian Kruger and long-term board member Greg Nichols, and third will be created when Mike Hirst, the current interim chairman, leaves on May 31.

McLachlan is expected to take Hirst’s position on the board with an expectation he will play a major role in determining who the next chief executive may be.

Jones said he felt he had achieved a great deal since joining as chief executive in July 2022.

“I thank my team at RV for their enormous efforts over the past two years which include the delivery of more than $2b in future funding for racing, an improved schedule, a dedicated media business to grow the sport, world-class equine welfare policies, increased support for jockeys and trainers, and the first significant club merger in decades,” he said.

“Growing the fanbase of this fantastic sport remains the number one challenge to secure its future sustainability, and I wish Racing Victoria every success under its new leadership.”

Speaking to The Straight in January, Jones was unapologetic about the approach he had taken to the job.

“There is a difference between a lack of consultation and a difference of opinions. Mostly what we are talking about is a difference of opinion rather than a lack of consulting,” he said.

“There are differences of opinion almost within every topic in racing. There are differences of opinions within individual stakeholder groups. Owners aren’t a uniform group, neither are trainers, jockeys or race clubs.”

Asked if he needed key participant groups on his side to achieve the change he wants, Jones said he had two main roles as chief executive.

“My job involves two elements. One is growing the pie and two is dividing up the pie, and a lot of the angst is over dividing up the pie, but the real action is in growing the pie,” he said.

In the aftermath of the announcement of the CEO’s sudden departure, Hirst thanked Jones for his work in the chief executive role.

“Andrew brought fresh eyes and ideas to our industry, and on behalf of the Board I acknowledge the significant contribution he has made,” Hirst said.

“I came to the role with a clear view on the challenges facing the industry, and I leave knowing I left nothing on the table” – Andrew Jones

“He challenged the industry to be more ambitious and to rethink everything from programming and prizemoney distribution to growing the fanbase, participants, and equine welfare.

“In the face of a declining wagering environment, his leadership has been instrumental in sustaining an industry which supports more than 25,000 jobs across the state.

“As the outgoing chairman I join Andrew in wishing the Board, under a new chair, and a new CEO every success.”